Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should.

Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much of your body's fluid is lost or not replaced. Severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency.

A decrease in skin turgor is indicated when the skin (on the back of the hand for an adult or on the abdomen for a child) is pulled up for a few seconds and does not return to its original state. A decrease in skin turgor is a late sign of dehydration.

Causes

You can become dehydrated if you lose too much fluid, do not drink enough water or fluids, or both.